President-elect John Dramani Mahama visited the Jubilee House today, Wednesday, December 11, at the invitation of President Akufo-Addo. The meeting focused on the inauguration of a joint transitional team aimed at ensuring a smooth transfer of power following Mahama’s recent electoral victory.
Ahead of their formal discussions, the two leaders engaged in a brief yet cordial interaction. During the exchange, President Akufo-Addo reassured Mr. Mahama of his full support in the transition process, emphasizing the importance of a seamless handover.
“I invited him earlier than scheduled to assure him of my full support and that of my government over the transitional process, to make sure that this administration takes off in the best of conditions,” President Akufo-Addo explained. “It is in the interest of all of us as Ghanaians that I brought him here.”
The atmosphere during the meeting was warm and cooperative, a stark contrast to the heated exchanges that marked the recent election campaign.
Speaking to the media, President Akufo-Addo highlighted his longstanding relationship with Mr. Mahama and recognized the latter’s experience in the presidency. “He’s familiar with this place. He was here before I came. He’s back here again. He knows exactly what is entailed,” President Akufo-Addo said with a smile.
In response, President-elect Mahama reflected on their meeting and expressed his gratitude for the earlier conversation with President Akufo-Addo, where he had received congratulations following his electoral victory.
“When I spoke after the declaration of results, I mentioned that His Excellency, the President, had given me a call to congratulate me, and so I had the opportunity to thank him this morning for being that gracious to give me that call,” Mr. Mahama shared.
He further detailed the purpose of the meeting and the plans moving forward. “We had a very cordial meeting. At the time he called, he suggested 11 am this morning to have the preliminary meeting towards setting up the transitional team. And that meeting has just ended, it was very cordial, and I think we were very happy to be together.”
Mr. Mahama also expressed optimism regarding the transition process, noting the importance of continued collaboration between the two leaders for the sake of Ghana’s democratic future.
“I’m happy at the assurance he has given us that we’re going to work together in the interest of Ghana to ensure a seamless transition, and I believe that even after that transition, it will be necessary for us to continue to keep a channel of communication so that Ghana’s democratic credentials are consolidated and we all work together in the national interest,” he added.
The meeting comes on the heels of Mr. Mahama’s announcement on Tuesday of a 10-member transition team tasked with overseeing the transfer of power. Former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has been appointed as co-chair of the team.
In response, President Akufo-Addo also announced appointments for the government side of the transition team. A statement issued on Tuesday, December 10, confirmed that these appointments were made in accordance with Section 1 (1) of the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845).
